A culinary trail
Avenues’ picks on where to grab a bite or a drink in Mid Canterbury on a weekend away.
COFFEE CULTURE
Start your Mid Canterbury weekend right at Coffee Culture Ashburton. With consistently great coffee, fresh cabinet food, and a relaxed, modern atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for locals and visitors wanting quality, warmth, and a reliably good experience.
SMOKE BBQ
Discover authentic low-and-slow American BBQ in the heart of Mid Canterbury. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, gathering with friends or celebrating something special, Smoke is where great food, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable experiences come together. Check out the private space, Smoulder, perfect for functions. Great food. Great people. Great celebrations.
smokeinc.nz
THE STORE AT STAVELEY
Discover a hidden gem beneath Mount Somers at The Staveley Store, a locally owned café where every dish is crafted from scratch. Savour genuine country hospitality, fresh flavours, organic coffee, and the simple pleasures of rural New Zealand.
THE RABBIT
Opened in the heart of Ashburton in 2023, The Rabbit is an all-day destination that transforms from a vibrant café by day into a stylish cocktail bar by night. Family-owned and operated by Don and Amber, mornings and afternoons bring speciality coffee, creative brunch dishes, fresh sushi, and handcrafted desserts, before the space shifts gears for signature cocktails, wine, sharing plates, and evening dining. Whether it’s a coffee catch-up, date night, celebration, or private function, The Rabbit brings people together with quality ingredients, creative drinks, and warm hospitality – from sunrise coffee to evening cocktails.
FORMOSA
Also owned and operated by Don and Amber, Formosa has been part of Ashburton’s dining scene since 2017. The restaurant serves modern Asian cuisine inspired by Taiwanese flavours, alongside Japanese and Western influences. Handcrafted dishes range from its signature roast duck and dumplings to wok-fired favourites and delicious desserts, all driven by quality ingredients and attention to detail. From family dinners and celebrations to business gatherings and casual meals with friends, Formosa is built around genuine hospitality. More than simply a restaurant, it’s a place where locals and visitors can come together through a shared love of good food.